Blue and White Peony Brush Pot

Set alongside the four treasures of the study - the calligraphy brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - a brush pot, or bitong, was an essential fixture of the scholars' desk. This porcelain brush pot beautifully exemplifies this traditional form with the classical artistry of Chinese blue-and-white ceramics. Brushed atop a cool white field, full peony blossoms enliven the sides with cobalt-blue color. Set against an all-over dotted pattern, the peonies are symbols of summer, love, and affection. Peonies are also closely associated with royalty because they were grown in the imperial gardens of the Sui and Tang dynasties, and symbolize wealth and high honor.